February 21, 2014

Types of pioneered bridge

All bridges can be classified into one of a few categories, based on how the structure supports the load. Pioneered bridges are the same, and most fall into four categories:

Simple or beam bridge: this is the simplest case, a bridge where the deck itself carries the weight of the structure. This bridge built by Culford School Troop is an example, and most drawbridges function this way in the down position.

A tied arch bridge uses an arch that hangs above the deck to support the deck. In pioneering, the Banana Bridge uses an arch made from pioneered frames.

Suspension bridges use a structure hanging in pure tension to support the load, either as a separate deck like the Abington Spring Bridge, or by walking directly on the tensile members in a monkey bridge.

Of these 6 types, types 5 and 6 are pretty rare in pioneering- I can only think of the one arched bridge, and I can't find any cable stayed pioneered bridges. So, before the end of summer (for us down here in the Southern hemisphere) or, while you're waiting for the weather to warm up (for you up there in the Northern hemisphere) , why not give a cable stayed bridge a try?